Library for management of neurostimulation therapy programs

ABSTRACT

An implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set. A parameter set may consist of a number of programs that are delivered substantially simultaneously. When programming the implantable medical device for the patient, a clinician programmer may maintain a session log for the patient that includes a listing of programs delivered to the patient and rating information provided by a clinician and the patient for programs of the list. The listing may be ordered according to the rating information in order to facilitate the selection of programs for a parameter set. A program library that may include particularly effective programs organized according to a directory structure may be stored in a memory. One or both of the implantable medical device and a patient programmer may store usage information that provides an objective assessment of therapy use by the patient, and allows a clinician to later improve the therapy based on the usage information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to neurostimulation therapy and, more particularly, to management of information relating to neurostimulation therapy and delivery of neurostimulation therapy.

BACKGROUND

Implantable medical devices may be used to deliver neurostimulation therapy to patients to treat a variety of symptoms or conditions such as chronic pain, tremor, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, incontinence, or gastroparesis. An implantable medical device may deliver neurostimulation therapy via leads that include electrodes located proximate to the spinal cord, pelvic nerves, or stomach, or within the brain of a patient. In general, the implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy in the form of electrical pulses.

A clinician may select values for a number of programmable parameters in order to define the neurostimulation therapy to be delivered to a patient. For example, the clinician may select a voltage or current amplitude and pulse width for a stimulation waveform to be delivered to the patient, as well as a rate at which the pulses are to be delivered to the patient. The clinician may also select as parameters particular electrodes within an electrode set to be used to deliver the pulses, and the polarities of the selected electrodes. A group of parameter values may be referred to as a program in the sense that they drive the neurostimulation therapy to be delivered to the patient.

The process of selecting values for the parameters that provide adequate results can be time consuming, and may require a great deal of trial and error before a “best” program, e.g., a program that is better in terms of clinic efficacy versus side effects experienced than other programs tested, is discovered. The clinician may be required to make notations describing a number of programs and feedback received from the patient regarding the perceived efficacy of each program. The clinician may then select the “best” program based on the notations.

Even after this often-lengthy process, the selected program may be inadequate to alleviate all of the symptoms of the patient. The symptoms may vary throughout the day or depending on the position of the patient, e.g., standing, sitting, lying down, etc. Additionally, the symptoms may change over a longer period of time such that the selected program is no longer effective, often requiring the clinician to start the program selection process anew.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention is directed to techniques for management of information relating to neurostimulation therapy and delivery of neurostimulation therapy. Neurostimulation therapy programs may be stored as a program library within a memory. The programs may be stored according to a set of hierarchical categories. The categories may be related to characteristics of neurostimulation therapy programs. Exemplary categories included device types, lead types, lead configurations, therapy indications, symptoms, body regions, patient types, physician names, and patient names.

The programs may be organized according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories. A clinician programmer may provide a user interface to allow a clinician to navigate program library according to the hierarchical categories, e.g., navigate the directory structure, and locate programs. The clinician may select programs from the program library to create parameter sets and program the implantable medical device, and may select programs from a session log to be included in the program library. The memory may be, for example, integral with the clinician programmer, a removable medium for the clinician programmer, or may be located on a computer that is accessed by the clinician programmer via a wired connection, wireless connection, or a computer network.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method comprising storing neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library within a memory according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs.

In another embodiment the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a processor to store neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library within a memory according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising neurostimulation therapy programs stored as a program library according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising a memory to store neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs, and a programmer to allow a user to access the program library.

The invention may provide a number of advantages. For example, storing programs as a program library within a memory may allow the clinician to quickly retrieve programs that have been previously identified as particularly effective programs. Thus, the clinician may not need to start from a blank slate in order to program neurostimulation therapy for each new patient. Storing the programs according to a set of hierarchical categories, e.g., according to device types, lead types, lead configurations, therapy types, symptoms, body regions, patient types, clinician names, and/or patient names, may allow a clinician to more easily locate relevant programs.

The program library may also allow sharing or distribution of programs. A program library or portion thereof containing recommended programs may be distributed by, for example, an implantable medical device or lead manufacturer, or various luminaries in the relevant medical disciplines. Such distributions may occur via a computer network such as the World Wide Web, or by distribution of removable media containing the programs. Clinicians within a single hospital or practice group may share a program library stored on a computer available on a local area network. Clinicians may also share programs via wired or wireless connections between clinician programmers. For example, clinicians at a medical conference may, in this manner, share programs that they have found to be particularly effective.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example system for managing delivery of neurostimulation therapy to a patient and information relating to neurostimulation therapy according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example implantable medical device for delivering neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set and collecting neurostimulation therapy usage information.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example patient programmer that allows a patient to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device, and collects neurostimulation therapy usage information.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example clinician programmer that allows a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy for a patient by creating parameter sets.

FIG. 5-10 are diagrams illustrating an example graphical user interface that may be provided by a clinician programmer to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy using a session log.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be employed by a clinician programmer to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy using a session log.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another method that may employed by a clinician programmer to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy using a session log.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example graphical user interface that may be provided by a patient programmer to allow a patient to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be employed by one or both of a patient programmer and an implantable medical device to allow a patient to control neurostimulation therapy and record neurostimulation therapy usage information.

FIG. 15-17 are diagrams illustrating a graphical user interface that may be provided by a clinician programmer in order to provide usage information to a clinician.

FIG. 18 is a method that may be employed by a clinician programmer to suggest neurostimulation therapy adjustments based on usage information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example system 10 for managing delivery of neurostimulation therapy to a patient 12 and information relating to neurostimulation therapy according to the invention. System 10 includes an implantable medical device 14 that delivers neurostimulation therapy to patient 12. IMD 14 may be an implantable pulse generator, and may deliver neurostimulation therapy to patient 12 in the form of electrical pulses.

IMD 14 delivers neurostimulation therapy to patient 12 via leads 16A and 16B (collectively “leads 16”). Leads 16 may, as shown in FIG. 1, be implanted proximate to the spinal cord 18 of patient 12, and IMD 14 may deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy to patient 12 in order to, for example, reduce pain experienced by patient 12. However, the invention is not limited to the configuration of leads 16 shown in FIG. 1 or the delivery of SCS therapy. For example, one or more leads 16 may extend from IMD 14 to the brain (not shown) of patient 12, and IMD 14 may deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy to patient 12 to, for example, treat tremor or epilepsy. As further examples, one or more leads 16 may be implanted proximate to the pelvic nerves (not shown) or stomach (not shown), and IMD 14 may deliver neurostimulation therapy to treat incontinence or gastroparesis.

IMD 14 delivers neurostimulation therapy according to parameter sets. A parameter set includes at least one neurostimulation therapy program. Each program may include values for a number of parameters, and the parameter values define the neurostimulation therapy delivered according to that program. In embodiments where IMD 14 delivers neurostimulation therapy in the form of electrical pulses, the parameters may include voltage or current pulse amplitudes, pulse widths, pulse rates, and the like. Further, each of leads 16 includes electrodes (not shown in FIG. 1), and the parameters for a program may include information identifying which electrodes have been selected for delivery of pulses according to the program, and the polarities of the selected electrodes.

Each program of a parameter set may be designed to address a particular symptom of patient 12. For example, in the case of SCS, each program may be designed to reduce the pain experienced by patient 12 in a different location of the body of patient 12. Further, IMD 14 may deliver neurostimulation therapy according to multiple programs of a parameter set at substantially the same time. For example, in embodiments where IMD 14 delivers neurostimulation therapy as electrical pulses, each pulse may be delivered according to a different program of the parameter set. Thus, a series of n pulses may deliver therapy according to n different programs. Delivery of neurostimulation therapy according to parameter sets may allow IMD 14 to address the symptoms of patient 12 more completely than if single program therapies were delivered. Moreover, substantially simultaneous delivery of the programs of a parameter set may make the delivery of neurostimulation therapy more comfortable for patient 12 to the extent that it prevents patient 12 from sensing program changes.

System 10 also includes a clinician programmer 20. Clinician programmer 20 may, as shown in FIG. 1, be a handheld computing device. Clinician programmer 20 includes a display 22, such as a LCD or LED display, to display information to a user. Clinician programmer 20 may also include a keypad 24, which may be used by a user to interact with clinician programmer 20. In some embodiments, display 22 may be a touch screen display, and a user may interact with clinician programmer 20 via display 22. A user may also interact with clinician programmer 20 using peripheral pointing devices, such as a stylus or mouse. Keypad 24 may take the form of an alphanumeric keypad or a reduced set of keys associated with particular functions.

A clinician (not shown) may use clinician programmer 20 to program neurostimulation therapy for patient 12. As will be described in greater detail below, the clinician may select existing programs or specify programs by selecting program parameter values, and test the selected or specified programs on patient 12. The clinician may receive feedback from patient 12, and store information identifying the programs and rating information associated with the programs as a session log for patient 12. The clinician may use the session log to more quickly select effective programs to be included in parameter sets for delivery of neurostimulation therapy for patient 12.

System 10 also includes a patient programmer 26, which also may, as shown in FIG. 1, be a handheld computing device. Patient programmer 26 may also include a display 28 and a keypad 30, to allow patient 12 to interact with patient programmer 26. In some embodiments, display 26 may be a touch screen display, and patient 12 may interact with patient programmer 26 via display 28. Patient 12 may also interact with patient programmer 26 using peripheral pointing devices, such as a stylus or mouse.

Patient 12 may use patient programmer 26 to control the delivery of neurostimulation therapy by IMD 14. Patient 12 may use patient programmer 26 to activate or deactivate neurostimulation therapy and, as will be described in greater detail below, may use patient programmer 26 to select the parameter set that will be used by IMD 14 to deliver neurostimulation therapy from one or more lists of parameter sets. Further, patient 12 may use patient programmer 26 to make adjustments to parameter sets, as will be described in greater detail below.

Allowing patient 12 greater control over the delivery of neurostimulation therapy within limits set by the clinician using patient programmer 26 may lead to more effective therapy and efficient use of clinician time. Patient 12 may be able to select parameter sets and make adjustments in order to address changes in symptoms, which may occur throughout the day, or based on changes in the position, posture, or activity of the patient. These modifications and improvements to neurostimulation therapy may occur without clinician intervention. Further, the clinician may be able to spend less time initially programming neurostimulation therapy for patient 12 by providing a variety of parameter sets at implant from which patient 12 may choose, allowing patient 12 to experiment with the parameter sets, and optimize, improve, or tailor the neurostimulation therapy over time.

Parameter sets programmed by the clinician using clinician programmer 20 may be transmitted to and stored within one or both of patient programmer 26 and IMD 14. Where the parameter sets are stored in patient programmer 26, patient programmer 26 may transmit the parameter set selected by patient 12 to IMD 14 for delivery of neurostimulation therapy to patient 12 according to the selected parameter set. Where the parameter sets are stored in IMD 14, patient programmer 26 may receive a list of parameter sets from IMD 14 to display to patient 12, and transmit an indication of the selected parameter set to IMD 14 for delivery of neurostimulation therapy to patient 12 according to the selected parameter set.

IMD 14, clinician programmer 20 and patient programmer 26 may, as shown in FIG. 1, communicate via wireless communication. Clinician programmer 20 and patient programmer 26 may, for example, communicate via wireless communication with IMD 14 using RF telemetry techniques known in the art. Clinician programmer 20 and patient programmer 26 may communicate with each other using any of a variety of local wireless communication techniques, such as RF communication according to the 802.11 or Bluetooth specification sets, infrared communication according to the IRDA specification set, or other standard or proprietary telemetry protocols. Clinician programmer 20 and patient programmer 26 need not communicate wirelessly, however. For example, programmers 20 and 26 may communicate via a wired connection, such as via a serial communication cable, or via exchange of removable media, such as magnetic or optical disks, or memory cards or sticks. Further, clinician programmer 20 may communicate with one or both of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26 via remote telemetry techniques known in the art, communicating via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), public switched telephone network (PSTN), or cellular telephone network, for example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of IMD 14. IMD 14 may deliver neurostimulation therapy via electrodes 40A-H of lead 16A and electrodes 401-P of lead 16B (collectively “electrodes 40”). Electrodes 40 may be ring electrodes. The configuration, type and number of electrodes 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 are merely exemplary.

Electrodes 40 are electrically coupled to a therapy delivery circuit 42 via leads 16. Therapy delivery circuit 42 may, for example, include an output pulse generator coupled to a power source such as a battery. Therapy delivery circuit 42 may deliver electrical pulses to patient 12 via at least some of electrodes 40 under the control of a processor 44.

Processor 44 controls therapy delivery circuit 42 to deliver neurostimulation therapy according to a selected parameter set. Specifically, processor 44 may control circuit 42 to deliver electrical pulses with the amplitudes and widths, and at the rates specified by the programs of the selected parameter set. Processor 44 may also control circuit 42 to deliver the pulses via a selected subset of electrodes 40 with selected polarities, as specified by the programs of the selected parameter set. Processor 44 may control circuit 42 to deliver each pulse according to a different program of the parameter set. Processor 44 may include a microprocessor, a controller, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete logic circuitry, or the like.

IMD 14 also includes a memory 46. In some embodiments, memory 46 may store parameter sets 48 that are available to be selected by patient 12 for delivery of neurostimulation therapy. In some embodiments, processor 44 may record usage information 50, and store usage information 50 in memory 46. Memory 46 may also include program instructions that, when executed by processor 44, cause IMD 14 to perform the functions ascribed to IMD 14 herein. Memory 46 may include any volatile, non-volatile, fixed, removable, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as a RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, hard disk, removable magnetic disk, memory cards or sticks, NVRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, and the like.

IMD 14 also includes a telemetry circuit 52 that allows processor 44 to communicate with clinician programmer 20 and patient programmer 26. Processor 44 may receive programs to test on patient 12 from clinician programmer 20 via telemetry circuit 52 during programming by a clinician. Where IMD 14 stores parameter sets 48 in memory 46, processor 44 may receive parameter sets 48 from clinician programmer 20 via telemetry circuit 52 during programming by a clinician, and later receive parameter set selections made by patient 12 from patient programmer 26 via telemetry circuit 52. Where patient programmer 26 stores the parameter sets, processor 44 may receive parameter sets selected by patient 12 from patient programmer 26 via telemetry circuit 52.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of patient programmer 26. Patient 12 may interact with a processor 60 via a user interface 62 in order to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy as described herein. User interface 62 may include display 28 and keypad 30, and may also include a touch screen or peripheral pointing devices as described above. Processor 60 may also provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with patient 12, as will be described in greater detail below. Processor 60 may include a microprocessor, a controller, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete logic circuitry, or the like.

Patient programmer 26 also includes a memory 64. In some embodiments, memory 64 may store parameter sets 66 that are available to be selected by patient 12 for delivery of neurostimulation therapy. In some embodiments, processor 60 may record usage information 68, and store usage information 68 in memory 64. Memory 64 may also include program instructions that, when executed by processor 60, cause patient programmer 26 to perform the functions ascribed to patient programmer 26 herein. Memory 64 may include any volatile, non-volatile, fixed, removable, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as a RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, hard disk, removable magnetic disk, memory cards or sticks, NVRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, and the like.

Patient programmer 26 also includes a telemetry circuit 70 that allows processor 60 to communicate with IMD 14, and input/output circuitry 72 that to allow processor 60 to communicate with clinician programmer 20. Processor 60 may receive parameter set selections made by patient 12 via user interface 62, and may either transmit the selection or the selected parameter set to IMD 14 via telemetry circuitry 70 for delivery of neurostimulation therapy according to the selected parameter set. Where patient programmer 26 stores parameter sets 66 in memory 64, processor 60 may receive parameter sets 66 from clinician programmer 20 via input/output circuitry 72 during programming by a clinician. Circuitry 72 may include transceivers for wireless communication, appropriate ports for wired communication or communication via removable electrical media, or appropriate drives for communication via removable magnetic or optical media.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of clinician programmer 20. A clinician may interact with a processor 80 via a user interface 82 in order to program neurostimulation therapy for patient 12 as described herein. User interface 82 may include display 22 and keypad 24, and may also include a touch screen or peripheral pointing devices as described above. Processor 80 may also provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with a clinician, as will be described in greater detail below. Processor 80 may include a microprocessor, a controller, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete logic circuitry, or the like.

Clinician programmer 20 also includes a memory 84. Memory 84 may include program instructions that, when executed by processor 80, cause clinician programmer 20 to perform the functions ascribed to clinician programmer 20 herein. Memory 84 may include any volatile, non-volatile, fixed, removable, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as a RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, hard disk, removable magnetic disk, memory cards or sticks, NVRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, and the like.

A clinician may program neurostimulation therapy for patient 12 by specifying programs or selecting previously specified program to test on patient 12. The clinician may interact with the GUI and user interface 82 in order to specify programs, or to select programs from a program library 86 that includes previously specified programs. Program library 86 may be stored within a non-volatile medium of memory 84. Processor 80 transmits the selected or specified programs to IMD 14 for delivery to patient 12 via a telemetry circuit 88.

Processor 80 may maintain a session log 90 for patient 12 during programming of neurostimulation therapy for patient 12 by the clinician. Upon delivery of a selected or specified program, clinician may receive feedback relating to the tested program from patient 12, and enter rating information relating to the tested program via the GUI and user interface 82. Processor 80 may store information identifying tested programs and associated rating information as part of session log 90. Information identifying tested programs may include the parameters for the tested programs. Processor 80 may present a listing of tested programs and associated rating information to the clinician in order to facilitate selection of programs to create parameter sets. Session logs 90 may be stored in a volatile medium of memory 84, or may be stored within a non-volatile medium of memory 84, e.g. within a database of patient information.

Processor 80 may transmit parameter sets created by the clinician to IMD 14 via telemetry circuitry 88, or to patient programmer 26 via input/output circuitry 92. In this manner, processor 80 may be used to control IMD 14 to deliver neurostimulation therapy for purposes of evaluating effectiveness of particular programs. I/O circuitry 92 may include transceivers for wireless communication, appropriate ports for wired communication or communication via removable electrical media, or appropriate drives for communication via removable magnetic or optical media.

FIG. 5-10 are diagrams illustrating an example graphical user interface (GUI) 100 that may be provided by clinician programmer 20 to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy for patient 12 using a session log 90. The configuration of GUI 100 illustrated in FIG. 5-10 is merely exemplary and is provided for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by a clinician to locate and retrieve programs stored as program library 86 within a memory. The clinician may use GUI 100 to select a program stored within program library 86 to test on patient 12. Storing programs within program library 86 may allow the clinician to quickly retrieve programs that have been previously identified as particularly effective programs. Thus, the clinician may not need to start from a blank slate in order to program neurostimulation therapy for each new patient 12.

Programs may be stored within program library 86 according to a set of hierarchical categories. Each category may be related to a characteristic of neurostimulation therapy programs. For example, programs may be stored within program library 86 according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories. Exemplary categories include IMD types, lead types, lead configurations, therapy indications, symptoms, body regions, patient types, clinician names, and patient names. As shown in FIG. 5, GUI 100 may include fields 102 and 104 to allow the clinician to navigate a directory structure of program library 86 and locate a program therein. Field 102 may identify a body region, whereas field 104 may identify programs according to a variety of identifiers such as physician name. The directory structure of program library 86 may allow the clinician to more easily locate relevant programs within program library 86.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by a clinician to specify a new program to test on patient 12. GUI 100 may, as shown in FIG. 6, include a field 110 which the clinician may use to name a new program for the session log 90. GUI 100 also includes fields 112-116, which the clinician may use to program parameter values such as pulse amplitude, pulse width and pulse rate for the new program, and a field 118, which the clinician may use to select particular electrodes 40 and assign polarities of selected electrodes 40 for the program. In some embodiments, programs imported from program library 86 may be displayed via this portion of GUI 100 for renaming or modification.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by a clinician to enter rating information for a program tested on patient 12. Rating information may include information relating to the degree of effectiveness of the tested program in treating symptoms of patient 12 and the degree of side effects experienced by patient 12 due to the delivery of neurostimulation therapy according to the program. Effectiveness of a program may encompass both the coverage area provided by the program and degree of symptom relief. Rating information may also, for example, include information relating to the performance of IMD 14 during delivery of neurostimulation according to the program.

Rating information may include information relating to at least one metric for rating the program, and may, as illustrated in FIG. 7, include numerical values. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the clinician is prompted to enter a numerical rating for the effectiveness of the tested program using field 120. Multiple metrics may be used. For example, the clinician may provide a rating for the severity of side effects in general, for specific side effects, or for more particular measures of the effectiveness of a particular type of therapy. For example, different metrics may be applicable to pain, movement disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. The clinician may select the metrics to be used to evaluate tested programs.

Field 120 is merely exemplary, and numerical values for metrics may be entered using any type of field, such as a text box, drop-down menu, slider-bar, or the like. Moreover, rating information is not limited to numerical values, and may also, for example, include percentages or textual descriptions of the effectiveness, side-effects, and the like. The clinician may use fields 122-126 to identify the location of the effectiveness of the tested program as reported by patient 12, and this location information may be used as a name for the tested program within session log 90.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by clinician programmer 20 to present a list 130 of the programs identified within session log 90 and associated rating information. As shown in FIG. 8, list 130 may be ordered according to the rating information. In embodiments where more than one metric is used to rate programs, list 130 may be ordered according to a metric selected by the clinician, or an overall rating may be calculated based on a number of metrics, and the list may be ordered according to the overall rating. For an overall rating, weighting factors, which may be selected by the clinician, may be applied to the metrics.

Ordering of list 130 according to rating information may facilitate comparison of the programs and quick program selection by the clinician. The clinician may select program from list 130 for inclusion in parameter sets based on the rating information. List 130 may also facilitate retransmission of multiple programs from list 130 to IMD 14 for side-by-side comparison, e.g., if multiple programs directed toward a particular symptom are closely rated. In such embodiments, clinician programmer 20 may prompt the clinician to add one of the compared programs to a parameter set, or remove one of the compared programs. In some embodiments, clinician programmer 20 may automatically select programs from session log 90 for inclusion in a parameter set based on the rating information.

Where a program is particularly ineffective, the clinician may “blacklist” the program using field 132 (“BL”) to indicate that the program is undesired. Clinician programmer 20 may store an indication that the program is blacklisted, i.e., undesired based on ineffectiveness or side effects within session log 90. Blacklisting of programs within session log 90 may allow the clinician to more easily avoid retrying particularly ineffective programs with patient 12, e.g., during reprogramming at a follow-up visit. Blacklisted programs within session log 90 may be removed from list 130, or identified within list 130 using highlighting, text effects, a symbol, or the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by the clinician to review and approve the parameter sets created. As shown in FIG. 9, GUI 100 may provide fields 140-144 for selection of a parameter set. GUI 100 may display a summary 146 of the parameters of each program within a selected parameter set. Clinician may approve the parameter sets using field 148, and clinician programmer 20 may then transmit the parameter sets to one or both of IMD 14 via telemetry circuit 88 and patient programmer 26 via input/output circuit 92.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of GUI 100 that may be used by the clinician to store programs that appear particularly effective, e.g., from the programming session or after a follow-up visit, within program library 86. As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 100 may display a list 150 of programs from session log 90 and associated rating information. The clinician may select a program from list 150, and name it for storage in program library using field 152. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the clinician may categorize the program via GUI 100 so that the program is stored appropriately according to the directory structure of program library 86.

List 150 may also be created based on programs stored within IMD 14 or patient programmer 26 at a follow-up visit. Patient 12 may have adjusted these programs. Thus, clinician may also store effective programs discovered by patient 12 in program library 86. Moreover, programs may be identified during a follow-up visit based on the frequency of their use by patient 12 reflected in usage information 50, 68 stored by one or both of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26. Usage information 50, 68 pertaining to a program selected for inclusion in program library 86, or a summary thereof, may be stored in program library 86 with the program.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be employed by clinician programmer 20 to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy using session log 90. Clinician programmer 20 receives a program to test that is selected from program library 86, or specified by the clinician (160), and transmits the program to IMD 14 to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy according to the program (162). The clinician receives feedback from patient 12, and records rating information as described above (164).

Clinician programmer 20 displays a list 130 of programs and rating information from session log 90 (166), which may be ordered according to the rating information, and may update the list after each new program is tested (168). When the clinician has completed testing programs, clinician programmer 20 may receive selections from list 130 for creation of parameter sets (170). Clinician programmer 20 may also receive selections made by the clinician for addition to program library 86 (172).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another method that may be employed by clinician programmer 20 to allow a clinician to program neurostimulation therapy using session log 90. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates a method that may be employed by clinician programmer 20 to facilitate retransmission and side-by-side comparison of programs stored within session log 90. Clinician programmer 20 receives selections made by the clinician from list 130, and retransmits the selected programs to IMD 14 to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy according to the retransmitted programs (180). After delivery according to the retransmitted programs, clinician programmer 20 may prompt the clinician to select one or more of the compared programs for addition to a parameter set or removal from list 130, receive a selection made by the clinician, and add or remove the selected programs (182-186).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 190 that may be provided by patient programmer 26 to allow patient 12 to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy by IMD 14. In general, parameter sets stored within one or both of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26 and available for selection or adjustment by patient 12 may be organized into one or more lists. Patient 12 may scroll through a list of available parameters sets using field 192 of GUI 190. A name for each parameter set and an indication as to which parameter set is currently activated may be displayed via field 192.

A field 194 may allow patient 12 to scroll through the various parameters of the programs of a selected parameter set. Patient 12 may select a parameter, and adjust the value of that parameter within limits established by a clinician. Patient 12 may also make adjustments to the value of a particular parameter throughout all of the programs of a parameter set, e.g., if patient 12 is experiencing increased pain at all locations, patient 12 may increase the pulse amplitude of all programs within the currently active set. Where adjustments are made to a particular parameter throughout all of the programs of a parameter set, the adjustment may be scaled for each program in order to maintain a ratiometric balance between the programs.

Shortcuts may be provided to frequently used parameter sets. For example GUI 190 may provide icons for direct activation of frequently used parameter sets. Keys of keypad 30 may also be associated with frequently used parameter sets, and used by patient 12 for direct activation of those parameter sets.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be employed by one or both of patient programmer 26 and IMD 14 to allow patient 12 to control delivery of neurostimulation therapy, and record neurostimulation therapy usage information 50, 68. Patient programmer 26 displays a list of parameter sets 48, 66 (200), and receives a parameter set selection made by patient 12 (202). In embodiments where parameter sets 48 are stored by IMD 14, patient programmer 26 may receive list of parameter sets from IMD 14.

If patient programmer 26 receives a command from patient to activate the selected parameter set (204), patient programmer 26 will direct IMD 14 to deliver neurostimulation therapy according to the selected parameter set (206). In embodiments where parameter sets 66 are stored by patient programmer 26, patient programmer 26 transmits the selected parameter set to IMD 14. In embodiments where parameter sets 48 are stored by IMD 14, patient programmer 26 may transmit an indication of the selected parameter set to IMD 14.

One or both of patient programmer 26 and IMD 14 may also record parameter set usage information 50, 68 by recording which set was selected and the time of set activation (208). Patient programmer 26 and/or IMD 14 may alternatively record usage information 50, 68 by periodically determining whether therapy is activated and which parameter set is active.

Patient programmer 26 displays programs and program parameters for the selected parameter set (210). Patient programmer 26 may receive an adjustment to the selected parameter set (212) from the patient, and apply the adjustment to a selected parameter for a single program or for the entire parameter set (214). Where parameter sets 48 are stored in IMD 14, or where the parameter set is active, patient programmer 26 may direct IMD 14 to apply the adjustment. One or both of patient programmer 26 and IMD 14 may record usage information 50,68 by recording the adjustment made and the time of adjustment (216).

FIG. 15-17 are diagrams illustrating techniques that may be employed by clinician programmer 26 to present neurostimulation therapy usage information 50,68 to a clinician via GUI 100. The invention is not limited to the illustrated forms of presenting usage information to the clinician, however. A variety of diagrams, histograms, charts, graphs, summaries, or the like may be used to present usage information 50,68 to the clinician. As one example in addition to the forms of presenting usage information discussed below, clinician programmer may present a trend graph or the like illustrating the value of a program parameter, such as amplitude, over time.

As shown in FIG. 15, clinician programmer 26 may present a histogram 220 that illustrates percentages of the total neurostimulation therapy use for each parameter set. Histogram 220 may be used by the clinician to determine which parameter sets were preferred or effective, and which parameter sets were not preferred or ineffective. The clinician may eliminate unused parameter sets, and add additional parameter sets that are similar to the preferred or effective parameter sets. Clinician programmer 20 may mark unused parameter sets for removal from a list. A similar histogram may be used to illustrate percentages of the total neurostimulation therapy use for individual programs.

FIG. 16 illustrates a calendar-view diagram 230 that may be presented by clinician programmer 26. Diagram 230 illustrates overall therapy usage each day, and may be used by the clinician to evaluate day-to-day changes in the symptoms of patient 12. Similar diagrams may be used to illustrate month-to-month, or week-to-week changes in therapy usage. Trends in the data illustrated by diagram 230 may suggest a need to provide new parameter sets or programs to address changes in symptoms of patient 12.

FIG. 17 illustrates a day-view diagram 240 that may be presented by clinician programmer 26. For a selected day, diagram 240 illustrates which, if any, parameter set was activated at any given time. Diagram 240 also illustrates the time of adjustments to parameter sets made during the day. Diagram 240 may be used by the clinician to evaluate cyclical changes in the activity or symptoms of patient 12 throughout a day. Trends in the data illustrated by diagram 240 may suggest a particular activity or time of day for which new parameter sets or programs would be beneficial.

FIG. 18 is a method that may be employed by clinician programmer 20 to suggest neurostimulation therapy adjustments based on usage information 50,68. Clinician programmer 20 receives usage information 50,68 from one or both of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26 (250), and presents usage information 50,68 to the clinician as described above (252). Clinician programmer 20 analyzes usage information 50,68 (254), and suggests therapy adjustments based on the analysis (256). For example, clinician programmer 20 may identify a frequently used parameter set, and suggest that additional programs that are similar to the programs of the frequently used parameter set be added to the therapy for patient 12. Clinician programmer 20 may identify additional programs by comparing the programs of the frequently used parameter set to programs located within at least one of session log 86 and program library 90. Clinician programmer 20 may also identify infrequently used parameter sets and mark them for removal from a list. By analyzing the usage information and suggesting therapy modifications to the clinician, the clinician programmer may reduce the amount of time necessary for the clinician to have an effective follow-up visit with patient 12.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the non-volatile medium that stores program library 90 has been described as integral with clinician programmer 20, or a removable medium for clinician programmer 20, the non-volatile medium may be located on a computer separate from clinician programmer 20. Clinician programmer 20 may communicate with the computer via any of the wireless or wired methods discussed above, or input/output circuitry 92 may include a network interface to access program library 90 via a computer network.

Further, program libraries 90 may facilitate program sharing. A program library 90 or portion thereof containing recommended programs may be distributed by, for example, an implantable medical device or lead manufacturer, or various luminaries in the relevant medical disciplines. Such distributions may occur via a computer network such as the World Wide Web, or by distribution of removable media containing the programs. Clinicians within a single hospital or practice group may share a program library 90 stored on a computer available on a local area network. Clinicians may also share programs via wired or wireless connections between clinician programmers 20. For example, clinicians at a medical conference may, in this manner, share programs that they have found to be particularly effective.

As another example, IMD 14 and/or patient programmer 20 may record information in addition to the usage information. Information relating to patterns of navigation of GUI 190 by patient 12 using user interface 82 of patient programmer 26 and patient programmer 26 feature use may also be recorded, as well as information relating to the performance of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26, such as information relating to battery life, battery performance, power-on resets, resets and telemetry success. Performance information provided to the clinician may allow the clinician to identify and resolve technical problems of one or both of IMD 14 and patient programmer 26, increasing patient satisfaction with system 10. Navigation pattern and feature use information may be provided to a manufacturer of one or both of the implantable medical device and the patient programmer and used in future product development efforts, allowing the manufacturer to provide more user friendly patient programmers 26 to patients 12 in the future. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A method comprising storing neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library within a memory according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein storing neurostimulation therapy programs according to a set of hierarchical categories comprises storing the programs according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a user interface to allow a user to navigate the program library according to the hierarchical categories in order to store a program within the memory.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a user interface to allow a user to navigate the program library according to the hierarchical categories in order to locate a program stored within the memory.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the programs include neurostimulation therapy parameters.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the parameters include at least one of pulse amplitudes, pulse widths, pulse rates, selected electrodes, and polarities of selected electrodes.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving comments relating to a program from a user; and storing the comments with the program in the memory.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving rating information relating to a program from a user: and storing the rating information with the program in the memory.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving usage information relating to a program from a programmer associated with a patient; and storing the usage information with the program in the memory.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the programs from at least one of a removable medium, a computer via a computer network, the computer via a local wireless connection, the computer via a wired connection, a programmer via a local wireless connection, and the programmer via a wired connection.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory comprises a memory associated with a programmer.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory is a removable medium.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory is associated with a computer and is accessible via at least one of a computer network, a local wireless connection with the computer, and a wired connection with the computer.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory is a non-volatile medium.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names.
 16. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a processor to store neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library within a memory according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions cause a processor to store the programs within the memory according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories.
 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to provide a user interface to allow a user to navigate the program library according to the hierarchical categories in order to store a program within the memory.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to provide a user interface to allow a user to navigate the program library according to the hierarchical categories in order to locate a program stored within the memory.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to: receive comments relating to a program from a user; and store the comments with the program in the memory.
 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to: receive rating information relating to a program from a user; and store the rating information with the program in the memory.
 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to: receive usage information relating to a program from a programmer associated with a patient; and store the usage information with the program in the memory.
 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that cause a processor to receive the programs from at least one of a removable medium, a computer via a computer network, the computer via a local wireless connection, the computer via a wired connection, a programmer via a local wireless connection, and the programmer via a wired connection.
 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the memory comprises a medium associated with a programmer.
 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the memory is a removable medium.
 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the memory is associated with a computer and is accessible via at least one of a computer network, a local wireless connection with the computer, and a wired connection with the computer.
 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the memory is a non-volatile medium.
 28. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names.
 29. A computer-readable medium comprising neurostimulation therapy programs stored as a program library according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions.
 30. The medium of claim 29, wherein the programs are stored according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories.
 31. The medium of claim 29, wherein the programs include neurostimulation therapy parameters.
 32. The medium of claim 31, wherein the parameters include at least one of pulse amplitudes, pulse widths, pulse rates, selected electrodes, and polarities of selected electrodes.
 33. The medium of claim 29, further comprising user comments relating to a program.
 34. The medium of claim 29, further comprising rating information relating to a program.
 35. The medium of claim 29, further comprising usage information relating to a program.
 36. The medium of claim 29, wherein the medium is associated with a programmer.
 37. The medium of claim 29, wherein the medium is a removable medium.
 38. The medium of claim 29, wherein the medium is associated with a computer and is accessible via at least one of a computer network, a local wireless connection with the computer, and a wired connection with the computer.
 39. The medium of claim 29, wherein the medium is a non-volatile medium.
 40. The computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names.
 41. A system comprising: a memory to store neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs; and a programmer to allow a user to access the program library, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the programs are stored according to a directory structure that is structured according to the hierarchical categories, and the programmer allows the user to navigate the directory structure.
 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the programmer allows a user to navigate the directory structure in order to store a program within the memory.
 44. The system of claim 42, wherein the programmer allows a user to navigate the directory structure in order to locate a program stored within the memory.
 45. The system of claim 41, wherein the programs include neurostimulation therapy parameters.
 46. The system of claim 45, wherein the parameters include at least one of pulse amplitudes, pulse widths, pulse rates, selected electrodes, and polarities of selected electrodes.
 47. The system of claim 41, wherein the programmer receives comments relating to a program from a user, and stores the comments with the program in the memory.
 48. The system of claim 41, wherein the programmer receives rating information relating to a program from a user, and stores the rating information with the program in the memory.
 49. The system of claim 41, wherein the programmer receives usage information relating to-a program from another programming device associated with a patient, and stores the usage information with the program in the memory.
 50. The system of claim 41, wherein the programmer receives the programs from at least one of a removable medium, a computer via a computer network, the computer via a local wireless connection, the computer via a wired connection, another programmer via a local wireless connection, and the other programmer via a wired connection, and stores the programs within the memory.
 51. The system of claim 41, wherein the memory is integral with the programmer.
 52. The system of claim 41, wherein the memory is a removable medium for the programmer.
 53. The system of claim 41, wherein the memory is associated with a computer and is accessed by the programmer via at least one of a computer network, a local wireless connection with the computer, and a wired connection with the computer.
 54. The system of claim 41, wherein the memory is a non-volatile medium.
 55. The system of claim 41, wherein the user is a clinician.
 56. The system of claim 41, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names.
 57. A system comprising: a memory that stores neurostimulation therapy programs within a program library, wherein the program library comprises a directory structure that organizes the neurostimulation therapy programs according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions, wherein each of the neurostimulation therapy programs each include one or more neurostimulation therapy parameters including at least one of pulse amplitudes, pulse widths, pulse rates, selected electrodes, or polarities of selected electrodes; and a programmer that allows a user to access the program library and navigate the directory structure to store programs within and retrieve programs from the directory structure.
 58. The system of claim 57, wherein the programmer receives usage information relating to the neurostimulation therapy programs from another programming device associated with a patient, and stores the usage information with the neurostimulation therapy programs within the program library.
 59. The system of claim 57, wherein the memory is associated with a computer and is accessed by the programmer via at least one of a computer network, a local wireless connection with the computer, or a wired connection with the computer.
 60. The system of claim 57, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names.
 61. A system comprising: a memory to store neurostimulation therapy programs as a program library according to a set of hierarchical categories, wherein each of the categories is related to a characteristic of at least one of the neurostimulation therapy programs; and a programmer to allow a user to access the program library, wherein a first hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a first level of a hierarchy includes at least one of device types, lead types and lead configurations, and wherein a second hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a second level of the hierarchy includes at least one of patient types, symptoms and body regions.
 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the programmer receives rating information relating to a program from a user, and stores the rating information with the program in the memory.
 63. The system of claim 61 wherein the programmer receives usage information relating to a program from another programming device associated with a patient, and stores the usage information with the program in the memory.
 64. The system of claim 61, wherein the programs include neurostimulation therapy parameters.
 65. The system of claim 61, wherein a third hierarchical category of the set of hierarchical categories at a third level of a hierarchy includes at least one of physician names and patient names. 